How Your Furnace Impacts Indoor Air Quality

Staying warm during the frigid winter can be a nuisance. While being comfortable when the temperature is its coldest is a big priority, how often do you think about the air caught inside with you? Assuming your home is correctly sealed and you don’t feel drafts of cold air making their way in, your indoor air quality could be worse than you’d like it to be.

Sure, indoor air quality isn’t the most exhilarating thing to think about when it’s so cold outside, but it is important to consider throughout the winter months. The good thing is that boosting your indoor air quality is quite easy and doesn’t require a lot of effort on your part. From furnace filters to routine winter maintenance, improve the air you’re breathing with a few of these simple tips:

Check your filter

Keeping contaminants at bay starts with filtration. Not only do furnace filters keep contaminants from remaining in your home, they help lessen the chance of those contaminants affecting allergies, disease and other illnesses. Making a point to check your furnace filter once a month can help make sure your system is working at its peak efficiency and keeping contaminants out of your air. If you notice that your filter is dark or dirty, go ahead and swap out the filter with a new one.

Size makes a difference

Furnace filters come in a number of sizes and thicknesses, and selecting the incorrect one can have an undesirable effect on the cleanliness of your air and its efficiency. Filters that are too small allow unfiltered air through, sending dirty particles out into your home. Choosing a filter that is too big simply won’t fit your system correctly, bringing about its own issues. To ensure you choose the correct size, check the size of the old filter, or take a peek at the owner’s manual of your furnace.

Improved results

When you shop for furnace filters, you’ll see various options, everything from your most basic models that serve their purpose, to the higher end filters that catch more contaminants. The truth is that the basic filters are put together using loose fiberglass mesh, and do offer you some protection for your home, but not as much protection as the filters that cost a little more. The difference between the filters has a large impact on your indoor air quality, and in the end keeps your air free from more contaminants. Typically, the filters that are a little more expensive provide greater energy efficiency, potentially saving you money as time goes on.

Keeping your air clean and comfortable is one of our top priorities, and keeping an eye on your furnace filter can help you better your indoor air quality and ensure your home will stay as comfortable as ever. If you’re interested in hearing more about furnace filters and how they affect your indoor air quality, give us a call at (616) 669-3961.

Lennox was started to provide some of the most dependable, reliable HVAC systems in the industry while providing great service and quality for customers. West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services in Hudsonville is no different, with our ceaseless commitment to your comfort and commitment to the community. We strive to be the experts at what we do so you can always be comfortable, and know you can always depend on us. Give us a shout at (616) 669-3961 or schedule an appointment with us so we can help you achieve total home comfort.